Buckling of multi-annular plates

Abstract

Buckling of multi-annular plates is considered. The plate is loaded by axisymmetric radial in-plane forces, either at the outer edge or at one of the circumferential joints or a combination of the two. The plate is simply supported or clamped at the outer boundary or at one of the common joints. The various annular sections are fully connected, and they differ either in geometry or in material properties. Each annular section is homogeneous. A power series solution is used because of its applicability to various boundary conditions. A computer code is employed for the solution. Numerical examples are given for a two-part plate. The procedure is general and can be employed in various problems, such as buckling of annular plates resting on an elastic foundation, vibration analysis of annular plates, etc.